Derek Hallas tells the story of when Leeds played at Hull in the early sixties and, like it always has been, the Boulevard was a pretty intimidating place.
Hull had a renowned pack- Harry Markham, Ted and Bill Drake, Tommy Harris, Mick Scott and one of the best loose forwards of all time Johnny Whiteley - some of the toughest and most fearsome men around.
Early in the game, Hull hooker Tommy Harris went down injured in a fair tackle, his ankle had gone, and he had to be helped from the field. In those days there were no substitutes and scrums were contested so it looked like a big blow for the Airlie Birds as Leeds would be almost assured constant possession.
Just as the visiting players were thinking victory would be theirs, a scrum formed as Harris had dropped the ball when he fell. As soon as it had packed down, Leeds hooker Bernard Prior's head came flying out with blood pouring from his rearranged nose and he was led from the field.
Just over the roar of the crowd, Mick Scott's voice could be heard on the pitch. 'Looks like it's twelve a side now' he scowled in a Hull accent.
Stuart Duffy
Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.
www.scratchingshedpublishing.com Twitter @scratchingshed2
Follow Sporting Memories Network @sportsmemnet
Memory added on September 18, 2012
Comments (Add your voice)
No comments have yet been added to this memory.
